Gov. Pete Ricketts is signing a Nebraska Missing Persons Day Proclamation on Oct. 17, 2022.
“Families and friends of missing persons work tirelessly to locate their loved ones,” Gov Pete Ricketts said in a statement. “While coping with the separation they never give up hope. Thank you to Law Enforcement in Nebraska for your steadfast commitment to search for those who’ve gone missing. And thank you to the many residents of our state taking initiative to raise awareness of missing persons cases in Nebraska”
It’s been nearly 22 years since a 40-year-old mother of three disappeared near downtown Lincoln. Since Oct. 17, 2000, the family of Gina Bos has worked tirelessly to find her, and along the way created a network – and a nonprofit — to bring missing persons home.
“Families of missing persons from Nebraska found each other on social media,” said Jannel Rap, who started the nonprofit GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation, Inc. “They realized what they had in common was unusual and decided to join their energies to make a difference for missing Nebraskans.”
Their goal: Missing Persons Day.
A day of awareness to help the public realize how many Nebraskans are missing, and the heartache of the families who search to bring them home, said Rap, Bos’ sister.
Earlier this year, Rap and a coalition of Nebraska families reached out to Governor Ricketts and State Sen. Julie Slama for help with the proclamation. A public ceremony will take place in the Capitol in the Governors Hearing Room at 3:00 p.m. Oct. 17.
The group’s goal is for the Nebraska Legislature to create an annual day of awareness.
“Every missing person is valuable and worth being found,” Rap said.
Gina’s case is still open.
Emilea Christine’s (Flesner) mother, Marilyn Alexander disappeared from Hastings September 21, 2001. Her family is still looking for her.
Tressa Price’s 7 year old daughter, Tarie Price disappeared from Gretna on June 11, 2020. Her current age is 9.
Christina Loupin’s 28 year old son, Christopher Loupin vanished on 11/17/2019 from Elm Creek CampGround.
Dawn Englebert’s 26 year old son, Chance Englebert disappeared while visiting Gering, NE 7/6/2019.
Jason Jolkowski vanished from Omaha, June 13, 2001. He was 19 years old at the time of his disappearance. His mother Kelly has been a strong advocate for the Nebraska missing.
For media interviews with family members of missing Nebraskans contact: 714-402-4391
More information on Nebraska missing persons can be found at https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/services/missing-persons
